College football analyst David Pollack predicted four early games that will impact the College Football Playoff. Funny enough, they are all non-conference games within the first couple of weeks.

Granted, with the 12-team playoff anyway, one loss does not end a season. But a win in these scenarios will certainly boost a team’s resume while the loser will have some ground to make up.

Not only that, these games could definitely draw a big rating considering the stakes, the teams, players and coaches squaring off. So, let’s dive into our take regarding Pollack’s list, via See Ball Get Ball, of College Football Playoff implications. 

A massive game to kick off the season and both teams could be in the College Football Playoff when it’s all said and done. The defending champs host a potential champ in 2025-26.

How will Arch Manning handle the Horseshoe? The winner of this game is going to get a lot of hype, if they weren’t already and have an inside track to the CFP. The loser, at least early on, will have a quality loss on the schedule.

The two Tigers, the two Death Valleys and the two College Football Playoff contenders. This game has it all to kickoff the 2025 season.

Garrett Nussmeier and Cade Klubnik highlight the game as the QB matchup features Heisman contenders under center. Brian Kelly is under pressure at LSU to deliver a CFP appearance and a win on the road here would go a long way to boost the resume.

Notre Dame comes into the new season following a College Football Playoff run to the national championship. Miami came up just short of the CFP, following an upset loss to Syracuse.

So how big is this game? Well, the Hurricanes have to get over the hump while the Irish need to stack up marquee wins while not being in a conference. 

Sherrone Moore is not suspended for this game! He’ll miss Weeks 3 and 4 for Michigan, plus one game in 2026, however that works after the NCAA’s findings. Still, this could be a big win for the Wolverines as far as the College Football Playoff resume is concerned.

The Sooners need a marquee win this year when you factor in their tough SEC schedule. Yes, Texas is still on the slate, so an upset there could be the biggest win of the season. But getting a Power Four win out of conference, especially against a rising Michigan team, would bode well later on.